How Do I Get Credit After Filing for Bankruptcy?

One of the fears many people have over filing for bankruptcy is that they won’t be able to get credit afterwards. This is simply not the case. While declaring bankruptcy will hurt your credit score, there are strategies for rebuilding your credit immediately after filing.  Most chapter 7 clients begin receiving credit offers within 30 days of filing the case!

Right from the start you might be a more attractive prospect to a lender, since you have just dramatically reduced your debt-to-income ratio (at least in the case of Chapter 7; in a Chapter 13 this process will take longer, but it will happen). Those who have filed for a Chapter 13 bankruptcy will benefit from the discipline of being on a repayment plan. This will also help in the long-term process of rebuilding credit.

It is important after filing for bankruptcy that you closely monitor your credit reports and credit score. Make sure you get a copy of your credit report from the three main credit reporting agencies: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Go over the reports and look for errors and omissions regarding your current residence, employment and contact information. Some experts recommending avoiding credit repair agencies. Not all of them are above board, and even the reputable ones may not be able to do much that you cannot do yourself.

Another way to immediately begin rebuilding your credit score following a bankruptcy is to open a secured credit card account. A secured card is a credit card that requires a cash collateral deposit which then becomes the credit line for that account. After a period of timely payments, the bank will sometimes reward you by increasing your credit line without you having to make an additional deposit. The best way to utilize a secured credit card is to make a few purchases every month and then pay them off in a timely manner. Don’t carry a balance around on the card. OlsenDaines provides all our clients with a free credit rebuilding program, an invaluable resource in helping you make a plan for rebuilding your credit.